What to Do When Austrian Airlines Goes on Strike

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  July 30, 2025

Reviewed by:  Anton Radchenko

Like most European airlines, Austrian Airlines workers go on strike from time to time. The most recent work stoppages were in March 2024 when employees went on strike twice: once on March 1st, resulting in over 100 flights being cancelled and again on the 28th and 29th. This one lasted 36-hours and led to more than 400 flight cancellations.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the facts about your rights, what the airline will do, and when you can get repaid for the trouble.

You can also find out if your flight is eligible for compensation. Enter your flight info below to see.Free flight checker

Can you make changes to your ticket when there’s a strike?

Understandably, this is the first thing you’ll want to check if your Austrian flight is scheduled at the same dates as a strike.

• First, check to see if you have a refundable or a non-refundable ticket. Usually you can change refundable tickets, but check the terms and conditions to be sure.
• For passengers with a non-refundable ticket, we recommend contacting Austrian to see if they’ll let you make changes because of the strike. Sometimes, airlines will allow this without the usual fees.
• If you discover that Austrian will not let you change your booking, then just wait until they cancel your flight. When they do, you'll have the automatic choice of a rebooking or a refund with no fees.

Once you sort out your ticket, you should prepare for your trip with possible strike-related disruptions in mind.

How to Prepare for an Austrian Airline Strike

1. Keep on the lookout for updates and changes by checking Austria’s website. 
2. Sign up for SMS alerts
3. Download the Austrian app to get faster notifications.
4. Pack accordingly so you’re prepared for delays.

What to do when your Austrian flight is disrupted by a strike

If you’re already underway in your travels, then you might get stuck at the airport. Should this happen, remember that EU261 rules require Austrian to help you by giving you coupons or vouchers for meals and refreshments if your wait extends at least 2 hours.

If you’re stranded overnight, you should be given hotel lodging and transport, but if you end up paying out-of-pocket for accommodation, hold onto your receipts so you can get reimbursed.

Your Passenger Rights

When a strike is announced, most passengers want to know if they’ll be repaid for missed flights and cancellations and when they will be owed a refund. 

Your rights are protected by Regulation EU261/2004. So, whether your Austrian flight was cancelled or delayed, if you end up arriving 3 or more hours late at your final stop, then yes, Austrian may have to repay you between 250-600 EUR because the disturbance was within their control.

Can You Get a Refund?

Yes. If Austrian Airlines cancels your flight ahead of an announced strike or if you’re delayed for more than 5 hours, then you’ll be given a choice between a rebooking or a refund. If you choose the rebooking, you will not be charged any fees for the change.

However, if you cancel your flight preemptively, then you will technically only get a refund if you have a refundable ticket.

This is why it’s a good idea to wait for the airline to cancel the flight instead.

In Closing

Download the Austrian app and check the website for alerts if a strike is announced. Whatever you do, stay on top of the latest information. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to the airline customer service to see if they can help you with your booking.

It’s also a smart idea to review the refund policies for your ticket and check to see if the credit card you used to purchase your flight offers any travel insurance. Lastly, get better acquainted with your passenger rights so you know what to expect from Austrian.

Need help with compensation for a flight delay of cancellation? We can help! Start by checking to see if your flight is eligible for compensation in the link below!Check Your Flight

• Austrian Airlines Compensation

Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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